When we released our original Compressor back in 2011, it quickly became a favourite among guitar and bass players alike who were searching for something more than the typical oversimplified controls found on most compressor pedals. Although our original Compressor sounded great on bass (and still does!) we set out to do even better. 
On top of the full range of features and controls normally only seen in high end studio equipment, such as input and gain reduction metering, independent attack and release controls, a mix knob for parallel compression, and an external sidechain insert, we’ve now added a fully variable sidechain high pass filter, and a two position ‘tone + colour’ circuit which adds gentle tone sculpting and harmonic distortion, giving your bass some delicious character.  

Empress Effects

Product Page

Review by bassic

Review by CompressorPedalReviews

Manual

Demo by Pertybass

Demo by BassTheWorld.com

Bass Compressor Blue Sparkle

Das Empress ParaEq MKII Deluxe ist ein parametrischer EQ und Boost-Pedal in Studioqualität, das für Gitarre, Bass, Synthesizer und andere Instrumente entwickelt wurde. Es bietet drei vollständig parametrische EQ-Bänder mit einstellbarer Frequenz, Verstärkung und durchstimmbarer Q-Einstellung für präzise Klangformung. Es verfügt über Baxandall-artige High-Shelf- und Low-Shelf-Shelving-Filter sowie umschaltbare 12-dB/Oktave-Hochpass- und Tiefpassfilter für eine fein abgestimmte Klangregelung. Eine Clean-Boost-Sektion ist ebenfalls enthalten und liefert bis zu +30 dB Signalverstärkung, um Verstärker oder lange Signalketten anzusteuern. Der Signalweg bleibt vollständig analog und rauschoptimiert und bietet auch bei intensiver Nutzung einen hohen Headroom und Transparenz. Das Pedal unterstützt je nach Ihren Routing-Anforderungen einen wählbaren True-Bypass- oder Buffered-Bypass-Modus.

The Empress ParaEq MKII Deluxe is a studio-grade parametric EQ and boost pedal designed for guitar, bass, synth or other instruments. It offers three fully parametric EQ bands with adjustable frequency, gain, and sweepable Q settings for precise tone shaping. It adds Baxandall-style high-shelf and low-shelf shelving filters plus switchable 12 dB/octave high-pass and low-pass filters for refined tone control. A clean boost section is included, delivering up to +30 dB of signal boost to drive amps or long signal chains. The signal path remains fully analog and noise-optimized, providing high headroom and transparency even under heavy use. The pedal supports a selectable true-bypass or buffered-bypass mode depending on your routing needs.

Demo by Pete Thorn

Demo by AndyDemos

Review by Bass Gear Magazine

Review by Guitar Chalk

Para Eq MKII Deluxe

Der Empress Effects Buffer ++ ist ein hochwertiges Analog-Routing- und Buffer-Pedal, das entwickelt wurde, um ein unverfälschtes Signal zu bewahren und gleichzeitig flexible Routing-Optionen zu bieten. Es kombiniert transparente Buffer-Schaltungen mit leistungsstarken Utility-Funktionen, einschließlich zwei Eingängen mit unabhängigen Pads und Anzeige, zwei stereofähigen Effekt-Loops, transformatorisch isolierten Ausgängen zur Brummunterdrückung und mehreren internen Routing-Modi für vielseitige Pedalboard-Konfigurationen. Mit dediziertem Tuner-Ausgang, variabler Eingangslastung und schaltbarem Clean-Boost fungiert der Buffer ++ als umfassende Signalzentrale für komplexe Setups.

The Empress Effects Buffer ++ is a high-end analog signal routing and buffering pedal designed to maintain pristine tone while giving players flexible routing options. It combines transparent buffer circuits with powerful utility features including dual inputs with independent pads and metering, two stereo-capable effects loops, transformer-isolated outputs for hum rejection, and multiple internal routing modes for versatile pedalboard configurations. With dedicated tuner output, variable input loading, and footswitchable clean boost, the Buffer ++ serves as a comprehensive signal management hub for complex rigs.

Official Product Video

Official Product Page

Buffer++

Along with the white-on-black graphics, the pedal offers all the features that made the ParaEq MKII Deluxe our top-selling pedal of 2023, with 3 parametric EQ bands, 4 additional filters, 30dB of footswitchable boost, 27V internal operation for pristine headroom, and your choice of true or buffered bypass.  

Demo by Bass Stuff

Review by Guitar World

Review by The Gear Page

Review by GuitarPlayer

ParaEq MKII Deluxe Black

True to the tweed tube amps of the 50’s, the germ drive delivers warm, harmonically rich overdrive that cleans up with a twist of your volume knob. Its tube-like break-up sounds extremely natural and will enhance your sound without masking the original tone of your instrument.

This true bypass overdrive offers gain control, two bands of EQ and output control to fully tweak your sound.

Features
All Analog Signal Path - no digitals in here!
Natural Break-up - Stays true to your original tone.
Cleans up well - Seamlessly clean up your sound by rolling back your volume knob.
Dynamic - Responds well to your dynamics like a tube preamp
Sustain - Good sustain with warm, tube-like overdrive
EQ - Hi shelf and low shelf EQs let you tweak your sound.
Bass - Works great on bass!
True Bypass - The Empress Germ Drive employs true bypass, so you can be sure that it's not affecting the signal when disengaged.
Small Size - The enclosure measures approximately 4.5" by 2.5" by 1.5", which is delightfully small when considering all the features packed into this unit.